Title: The Devil's Footsteps
Author: E.E.RichardsonSeries: N/A
Published: 5 January 2006
Length: 288 pages
Source: Library
Summary : It was just a bit of fun, a local legend. The Devil's Footsteps: thirteen stepping stones, and whichever one you stopped on in the rhyme could predict how you would die. A harmless game for kids - and nobody ever died from a game.
But it's not a game to Bryan. He's seen the Dark Man, because the Dark Man took his brother five years ago. He's tried to tell himself that it was his imagination, that the Devil's Footsteps are just stones and the Dark Man didn't take Adam. But Adam's still gone.
And then Bryan meets two other boys who have their own unsolved mysteries. Someone or something is after the children in the town. And it all comes back to the rhyme that every local child knows by heart: Thirteen steps to the Dark Man's door, Won't be turning back no more . . .
Review: It's just a game, isn't it. Like one of those skipping rhymes, chants for little kids. A rhyme that predicts how you'll die. But anyway. It's just a rhyme. But not for Bryan. His brother went missing, when playing this game, and Bryan saw the Dark Man who took Adam away. Then Bryan finds two more boys who lost someone, apparently to The Dark Man. Somehow the children of the town are going missing and the Devil's Footsteps chant is somehow tying it all together.
An original idea. Creepy chants aren't common in the world of horror, or at least as main parts in the horror. So it's nice seeing something different.
The writing style is fairly simple, a little descriptive, easy to follow, leaving a fair bit to the imagination. I didn't really like the third person to start with, but got used to it and started enjoying it a bit more as we went on.
The characters are well built up, with realistic reactions and personalities. Bryan you could easily get into the head of, understanding reasoning for actions.
The plot seemed to follow one track with a lot of 'I didn't see that coming's every now and again. It was really fast paced, which was good. The suspense was built brilliantly throughout. You're left to wonder about the Dark Man, what he can and can't do, and so on throughout the book.
I love the climax so much,on the path of stepping stones. It was a great climax, but the very end ie the last chapter, seemed a little rushed for my liking, and disappointing..
There's not that much to say about this book other than it's one you should read if you want something a little different.
Overall: Strength 3.5 rounded up to a 4 to a good piece of horror for the slightly younger audience.
wow.. i really want this books. it sounds amazing
ReplyDeleteOh me, oh my. You're just a wealth of information on must read creepy books!
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds good too! All your reviews make these books sound like such interesting reads.
ReplyDeleteI never did any of those chants as a child...I was too scared. This book might make me pee my pants a little.
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
Wow that was actually scary. I don't thing I'll be reading this book, not because I didn't like the review and the summary but because I don't want to have nightmares. I sometimes believe in these so called games and I wont be able to sleep for days... Great review by the way!
ReplyDeleteThe book is the greatest book but it is so hard to get in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThe book is really great, but so hard to find at libraries to reread over and over.
ReplyDeleteI read E E Richardson's The Intruders, and I was amazed at how scared to the core I was. I've seen paranormal activities, real ones, and I'd get over the fear in like, a day. But honestly, The Intruders gave me a literal chill to my spine, and goosebumps through what I was reading. I loved the experience, although I was scared for weeks after reading the book. I later on checked out online what kinds of other books does E E Richardson writes. I was satisfied to see what I saw. All horror genre books. And that is the only genre I like to read. Thus, E E Richardson became my favorite author. And then I read this summary to the book I wanted to get my hands on, and I was amazed. E E Richardson is truly a good author. I wonder at times, how does it even make sense that E E Richardson is not a New York Times Bestselling Author? Like honestly, what are they doing?
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